“Worth it!” is how Helri Caadan, a Master of Divinity graduate, described his life at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS). The countless times he cried to God, the sleepless nights, the seemingly endless amount of requirements, and all his sacrifices were nothing compared to what he gained through his seminary life.

(Above: What Languages do Nazarenes Speak?)

Every year, Research Services asks Nazarene pastors around the world about their local churches. When it comes to worship, we ask one single question: What is your average attendance of weekly corporate worship? We also record other information about each church in order to get a better picture of global Nazarene worshippers.

On an average Sunday in 2016, about one and a half million people worshipped in a Church of the Nazarene. That’s an average of 65 people in each congregation each week.

“God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.” I heard that phrase frequently growing up in the Church of the Nazarene. I gained new insights into its truth as I learned more about God’s work in me. I sensed His love through my Christian parents and family members as well as from my pastor, Sunday school teachers, and saints at my local church. That love sprang to life in me when I invited Jesus into my heart as Lord and Savior. I grew in my faith across the years and reached a moment in time when I consecrated myself to Him (Rom.

Education has always been a priority in the Church of the Nazarene. Just as Jesus’ ministry included preaching, teaching, and healing, so the Church of the Nazarene has embraced compassion, evangelism, and education as pillars of our work and ministry. It is education which helps to create long-term sustainability in the life of the Church. Today, we are a Church of educational institutions that circle the globe.